Social Justice Fund

Colombian Trade Unionists visit St. John's to discuss Public Services.

May 15 - 17

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in conjunction with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) are hosting the visit of 3 trade unionists from Colombia to St. John's from Saturday May 15 through Monday May 17.

According to the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and   the United Nations, Colombia is the most dangerous place in the world for organization labour.   On average, one trade unionist is assassinated every three days. Our guests are active in their respective trade unions in leading the fight against the privatization of public services in Colombia.

The overall purpose of the “DEFENDING PUBLIC SERVICES: CANADIAN AND COLOMBIAN WORKERS ON THE FRONTLINE” national tour is (1) to provide the opportunity for Colombian and Canadian trade unionists and activists to engage in discussion about our struggles to stop the privatization of public services and (2) to allow us to learn about the impact of privatization on workers, services and communities in Colombia.

On Sunday May 16, from 7 to 8.30 pm, the Colombians will be meeting with local trade unionists and human rights activists at The Lantern, 35 Barnes Rd.   On Monday morning they will tour a local postal plant.

At 1pm on Monday they will address students at Prince of Wales Collegiate about the human rights situation in Colombia.   Keith Samuelson, a PWC teacher, stated, “ We are looking forward to hosting our Colombian guests.   Students have long been interested in learning about other countries and human rights. I am still in shock that Global Issues will not be taught in our schools in the coming year.”

John Nolan of CUPW stated, “ Recent public service strikes in Newfoundland and BC have shown us how easy it is for governments to violate our labour rights and tear apart our collective agreements.   It is hard to imagine what our sisters and brothers have to face in such a repressive environment as Colombia.”

-30-

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Bill Hynd at 753 2202

Media notes:   The 3 Colombians are

Dora Lilia Gomez - General Secretary of SINTRAPOSTAL - Dora Lilia has been active in fighting government's attempts to fully privatize the postal services.   Dora is also active in a coalition of women's organizations for peace in Colombia.

Dario Restrepo Carmona of CORPENCA -   Dario works closely with the union movement in Colombia and is currently engaged in a campaign to stop the privatization of natural resources, such as water.

Ana Beatriz Sadarragio from ASDECCOL - Ana is a member of the Public Service Association of Public Auditors.